January 11, 2023
Bishop, W. F. Houston, Jr.
***C H O F Ministry Bible Study Reading:
Philippians 4:4–13 (MSG)
*C H O F Ministry Focal Verse:
Philippians 4:12 (AMP)
I know how to get along and live humbly [in difficult times], and I also know how to enjoy abundance and live in prosperity. In any and every circumstance I have learned the secret [of facing life], whether well-fed or going hungry, whether having an abundance or being in need.
Beloved, I've reconstituted the "Intuitive Thinker" concept. I (Bishop, W. F. Houston, Jr.) believe that acquiring or remembering information isn't sufficient. Accurate intelligence appreciates and implements the learning concept. In addition to this, we need to respect it and use it. The knowledge that sticks with us impacts not only who we are but also our habits. Making a clear relationship between the facts and their application in daily life is what knowledge is all about. People can only declare with absolute certainty that they have gained knowledge when they first realize how facts relate to reality and then strive to put the information into practice.
In other words, knowledge must always be accompanied by action. This is what Paul had in mind when he wrote to the Philippians, as shown in the following sentence: “The things which you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things [in daily life], and the God [who is the source] of peace and well-being will be with you.”
(v. 9 -AMP). That last part of the sentence implied they didn't have to do it alone. God would be with them, guiding and empowering them as they sought to grow in obedience.
Paul presented himself as an example for others to follow, not in an arrogant or boastful way, but only to the extent that he obeyed Christ. (1 Cor. 11:1; Phil. 3:17 -AMP). It’s reasonable to infer that the life lessons he was urging them to internalize were ones they had already started picking up from him: to rejoice (Phil. 4:4 -AMP), to be gentle (v. 5 -AMP), to pray (v. 6 -AMP), to rest in God’s peace(v. 7 - AMP), to think about excellent things (v. 8-AMP), to support the ministry of the gospel (v. 10 -AMP and see Phil. 2:25-30), and to be content (Phil. 4:12 -AMP). What is the secret? The secret is - To depend on God, not ourselves: “I can do all this through him who gives me strength” (v. 13).
It takes courage for a spiritual educator to take the step of urging students (future intuitive thinkers) to replicate their behavior. (v. 9). This emphasizes that we can't merely talk the talk but must live the walk as well. Anything less is not godly teaching or education!
*Beloved, a mentoring relationship is a key medium via which God accomplishes His purposes. Believers who have reached a more mature spiritual state are in a position to guide less experienced believers down the path to love and righteousness because of this. The fact that the Lord provides both the wisdom and the power necessary for progress is the best part!
Let Us Pray:
Dear Heavenly Father, today, we give You thanks for the development You've brought about in our lives. Guide us to the occasions when we might instruct younger believers in the knowledge that you have given us as mentors. We wish to serve as Your pedagogical tools in the education of others.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.